Clicking for a loved one’s updated condition; Which exercise is best for weight loss?; More risks associated with Vioxx

There is now a new way to inquire about the condition of a loved one --- go online. According to the NY Times article, Support for Patients, Just a Mouse Click Away, many new sites are offering webpages that a patient and their caregiver can set up to update all their loved ones, family and friends about the status of the patient. In this way, they don't have to answer the same questions numerous times--- and perhaps they can feel more comfortable sharing intimate details than they would normally on the phone or in person. These web pages are personalized and can include as much (or as little) information, photos, links, etc--- but most importantly loved ones can leave messages of support. These web pages are an excellent (and efficient) way to connect a network of family, friends, and acquaintances.

If you are trying to figure out which exercise will make you lose more weight, you should read the NY Times article Exercise = Weight Loss, Except When It Doesn't. Just because you exercise, it does not mean you will automatically lose weight. According to the article there are numerous criteria to consider--- though one thing IS for certain which every doctor would agree with---

Exercise is good for you!

A new threat is now associated with Merck's Vioxx: contrary to Merck's claim that the cardiovascular risks increased only after long term usage, a study released online yesterday stated the risks began when the treatment was started. Another study found there was an increase in kidney-related risks. (You can read the Wall Street Journal article here.) Spending millions (if not billions) of dollars in R&D, why is it necessary to market a drug prematurely (and before tests of all risks involved are completed) knowing the increased risks to consumers? Just so they can have a brand name drug be #1 for a few years? For market share? What about the (fatal) risks to the consumers--the people they are supposed to be curing--not killing?